It may be your last shot to own a piece of Detroit history. Dittrich Furs is putting more coats on the shelves after the first round of closing sales emptied the racks.
The iconic fur store is set to close its doors at the end of next month after 133 years in business.
After that announcement in January, long lines stretched down the block. Workers are getting more coats in place after a restock.
Previous report: Detroit's iconic Dittrich Fur closes after 132 years, ending family legacy in New Center Iconic Dittrich Fur closes after 132 years, ending family legacy in Detroit
The 70% off sale starts this Friday. Doors are set to open at 10 a.m.
A legendary spot in the heart of Detroit is ready for its comeback. Checker Bar in Cadillac Square reopens Wednesday.
Watch Ryan Marshall's report below
Checker Bar reopens in Detroit's Cadillac Square after fire forced closure
The historic watering hole closed more than a year ago following a fire. The owner says while the space is refreshed, the vintage vibe and famous burgers are here to stay.
We took the best part of Checker, shined them up, kept the grit, Checker Bar owner Timothy Tharp said. We still get people come in all the time and say oh my God, my grandpa had a cheeseburger with me right over there in that booth. So its a pretty special spot.
Previous report: Fire forces Detroit's beloved Checker Bar to close ahead of NFC playoffs Fire forces Detroit's beloved Checker Bar to close ahead of NFC playoffs
The restoration includes a new look for the second floor, which now has billiards and darts.
The Detroit Police Department is investigating two shootings that happened on the city's west side on Sunday morning. At this time, it doesn't appear that the shootings are related.
Here are details about the two shootings, listed in chronological order:
3:07 a.m.
One man is dead after police say he was shot in the early morning hours on Detroit's west side.
Police found the body of a man in the 7100 block of West Warren; this shooting is being investigated as a homicide, with DPD telling us the suspect is unknown.
9 a.m.
A child was taken to the hospital after accidentally shooting themselves in a home on Detroit's west side.
Police responded to a home in the 8800 block of Artesian around 9 a.m. this morning. We're told that the child found the gun and discharged it.
We're told that the child is in stable condition and that DPD is investigating what led up to the incident.
Two people were killed and two others were injured after a shooting at a funeral repast on Detroits east side Friday evening, according to police.
The shooting happened just before 8 p.m. in a parking lot near J5 Legacy Event Center on Sherwood Street near Lantz Street.
Watch police provide details in the video player below: Police provide details after fatal shooting on Detroit's east side
Police say a repast was happening at the event center when an argument occurred. One person pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots in the parking lot.
A woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s died, police say. Two other people were injured. Police are not releasing additional details about the victims at this time as they notify families.
"The families remain in our prayers right now as we can imagine what they're going through. But the Detroit Police Department will be here for them throughout their grieving process," said Capt. Marcus Thirkill with the department's homicide division.
Thirkill said the victims were attending the repast.
It's unclear at this time what led up to the altercation. Police are working to learn the motive.
"This was a tragic event for those who were attending this event, and unfortunately, someone chose to choose gun violence to resolve a situation," Thirkill said.
Suspect information has not yet been released.
Police say about 100 people attended the event and are asking the public to come forward with information.
"We are aware that other individuals may have information that may help us to help us come to a resolution on the case," Thirkill said.
The Detroit police homicide division is investigating along with Michigan State Police, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Community Violence Intervention groups were out in the area to support police and the community.
"Our city has to realize you've got to watch this impulse violence, getting mad and settling your beef with a gun at a repast. This is too much," said Pastor Maurice Hardwick with the Live in Peace Movement.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DPD's homicide division, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or Detroit Rewards TV and can remain anonymous.
A metro Detroit woman is facing federal charges over an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving supposed child modeling events.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Chanise Coyne, 46, from New Boston is charged with seven counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering.
Watch the video report below: New Boston woman arrested in alleged $4.6 million child modeling scam
The feds allege that Coyne obtained more than $4.6 million from a family by claiming that the money would be used for advanced fees associated with the family's young daughter participating in modeling events across the country.
According to the indictment, Coyne generated false records that allegedly showed the supposed placement of that girl in modeling events and she also impersonated a third party.
Feds say that Coyne used the money for significant gambling expenditures, including multiple alleged money laundering transactions on the FanDuel online gambling platform.
Fraud schemes that prey on the emotional bonds of families are egregious. This defendant allegedly took advantage of a familys love for their daughter, stole their nest egg, and then gambled it away. We will pursue fraud schemes in all their forms, U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement.
Other families in metro Detroit who say they are former customers claim it's not the first time Coyne has scammed people.
Tricia Furnari created the "Chanice Coyne Scam Victims" Facebook group in 2024 after her own experience with the photographer. She said the group had grown quiet in recent months until news of the federal charges broke.
"We had about 100 people in here but obviously after the news broke yesterday, I have 40 more people added and I have a lot of requests to be added," Furnari said.
Furnari said she first hired Coyne for Santa photos in 2023, and the session went well. She paid upfront and booked again in 2024. That is when the cancellations began.
"She was still really nice about it, we were all understanding, but when she canceled again and said Santa had monkeypox, that's when we all started to get suspicious of her," Furnari said.
Furnari said after she went public with the story and a local news reporter called Coyne, her money (about $400) was refunded. She created the Facebook group to keep people informed, and help others try to recoup their money.
When the indictment was unsealed, Furnari said the dollar amount of $4.6 million stopped her cold.
"I was floored. Read it to my husband, I couldn't believe $4.6 million," Furnari said.
Meagen Hudson says she was also scammed by Coyne. She first took baby photos with Coyne in 2019, which went well, so she booked Coyne again. But in 2023, she says cancellations began piling up and she couldn't get a refund, only promised "credits," which she was never able to book.
Hudson shared messages from Coyne, which cited reasons including kidney stones, COVID-19 and a near-heart attack. In total, Hudson said she lost $375.
"From there, it just started to be things were canceled all the time, and it was 'oh I'm in the hospital, oh my kid has hand, foot, and mouth (disease), oh it's raining,'" Hudson said.
Furnari said that while Coyne was canceling sessions, she was posting photos of herself on expensive and extravagant trips. Furnari was told the money came from gambling winnings on Fanduel.
"We were all told 'oh she won with FanDuel,' that's what we all knew," Furnari said.
Hudson said she hopes the federal case encourages others to come forward.
"I'm not surprised. I think karma got her, and I hope all these other people come out and talk and say hey it's not just this $4 million fraud, she's been scamming people out of money for years," Hudson said.
We attempted to reach both Coyne and her attorney but did not receive a response.
The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show returns to Willow Run Airport this summer with a special edition to celebrate Americas 250th birthday.
Organizers say the event will be bigger and bolder this year.
The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team will rip through the sky. Along with great viewing spots, there will be entertainment for all ages on the airport's grounds from open to close.
The air show runs July 17 to July 19.
Tickets are on sale at a discounted price and are expected to go up as the event gets closer. More information about the event can be found on thunderovermichigan.org.
A metro Detroit mom donated more than 100 crocheted yarn octopi to babies in the neonatal intensive care units at two hospitals on Thursday in an effort to keep them safe.
Joelle Haley, whose son was cared for at Childrens Hospital of Michigan NICU at DMC Hutzel Womens Hospital, says she learned from a nurse how octopus amigurumis can help babies grasp the tentacles of the yarn creatures instead of the NICU tubes and wires.
Joelle said she then posted a callout on Facebook, encouraging others in her hometown to do the same, and volunteers jumped on board.
"Over 100 people have helped and donated, and the last time I counted, there were 175 total donated. There are more on the way, and I have more at my home that I need to wash and sterilize still," said Haley.
On February 26, thanks to her efforts, she was able to donate the crocheted octopi to Childrens Hospital of Michigan NICU at DMC Hutzel Womens Hospital and Childrens Hospital of Michigans NICU.
In the NICU, our babies are surrounded by advanced technology and highly specialized care but healing also happens in the smallest, most human ways, said Dr. Jorge Lua, Medical Director of the Childrens Hospital of Michigan NICU at DMC Hutzel Womens Hospital, in a statement. These tiny crocheted octopi represents time, compassion and hope, and they are beautiful reminders that our community is wrapping our families in love during some of their most vulnerable moments. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary generosity.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and other community leaders announced on Monday the creation of the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety.
"Today, we take another bold step toward making Detroit a more safe city, not just through enforcement, but through prevention, partnership and community," Sheffield said.
Watch Whitney Burney's video report below: Detroit Mayor Sheffield launches city's first community safety office to help in crime prevention
The new office, which the mayor says was born out of collaboration, aims to help prevent violence across communities. It will act as a centralized hub for Community Violence Intervention programs, new crime prevention efforts and a survivor advocacy program. Officials say it will also focus on reducing domestic violence at the neighborhood level through conflict resolutions and restorative practices.
Sheffield named violence prevention advocate Teferi Brent as the office's director.
"I am focused and anxious to help execute her vision for community-based public safety," Brent said.
Watch more from the announcement below: Detroit mayor announces new community violence prevention initiative
Sheffield also praised Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison for having a major impact on the formation of the new office.
"The commitment is there, the heart is there now today, the office is here," said Bettison, noting the work that's been done by community groups and the Detroit Police Department over the years. The chief said the office will bring additional resources to aid in crime prevention as well as help break down silos.
The city says partial funding for the new office is coming from a $200,000 Hudson-Webber Foundation grant.
This is the latest initiative from Sheffield's administration to address violence in the city of Detroit. In past interviews with 7 News Detroit, leading up to the election and after the election, Sheffield talked about the importance of addressing violence.
Sheffield has said in the past she wants to open the city's first Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Watch below: One-on-one with Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield on what she plans to tackle first One-on-one with Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield on what she plans to tackle first
The effort to support survivors and victims in more robust ways is important to Detroiters like DeLisa Glaspie who have suffered losses. Glaspie lost her son to gun violence just a few years ago.
"Khalil he was actually taken away two weeks before he was scheduled to start Claflin University. He had a sports scholarship and was on his way to begin his college journey," Glaspie said. "Life goes on, the world goes on, but for mothers, fathers, parents, its still a loss."
Glaspie founded the survivor advocacy and support organization Seize the Smoke in his honor.
Longtime neighbors say they're excited to see the city backing the grassroots efforts and hope to see more success after the city boasted record drops in crime over the last two years.
"The most violent zip code: our crime is down over 50% in our community," said Sandra Turner with the Denby Neighborhood Alliance on the east side of Detroit. "We know its working."
If you or anyone you know is in a domestic violence situation and needs help, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or text "Start" to 88788.
Police in Bloomfield Township responded to the Oakland County Republican Party headquarters on Friday after it was reported that the group received an envelope with an unknown white powder inside.
Police say they responded around 2 p.m.
Oakland County GOP leaders say safety protocols were immediately executed.
Police say theyre working with the FBI in the investigation. Police say that it appears to not be an isolated incident and could be connected to other suspicious mail sent to GOP affiliations in Michigan.
Leaders with the Oakland County GOP say its office will be closed through the weekend as they take further safety steps.
A mother is facing several charges after police in Flint Township say two small children with special needs were abandoned in a home covered in filth for days.
Krystal Farmer faces the following charges:
Two counts felony child abandonment Two counts felony child abuse in the second degree Two counts felony child abuse in the second degree in the presence of another child One count felony lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigation.
Their mother, the person who should have been their fiercest protector, the one voice meant to calm their fears and meet their needs, walked away. No caregiver stepping in, no safeguards. Just absence, police said in a Facebook post. Instead of being shielded from harm, they were left alone to endure it. While her children endured filth, hunger, and fear, she prioritized herself over their safety, abandoning them to survive on their own.
Police posted video from inside the home. Visit their Facebook page to see the video. Warning: it is extremely disturbing.
Police responded to a home for a welfare check after a concerned neighbor called 911. When officers arrived at the home, police say trash covered the floors, making it difficult to walk normally.
Every movement required careful tiptoeing through someone elses neglect, Flint Township police said in the Facebook post. A faucet ran endlessly, water spilling onto the floor like a forgotten fountain, the sound echoing through rooms that had gone far too long without adult presence.
Police found feces smear along walls at a childs height.
A heartbreaking sign of little hands left without guidance, without help, police said.
They also said there were no clean cloths, no food ready to eat in the kitchen and no phones or tablets for the children to communicate outside the home.
It was a house that had been reduced to survival conditions, and two vulnerable children were left inside it alone, police said.
One child was trying to eat raw, spoiled meat when officers found them. They say the other child was curled up on the bedroom floor.
For children with special needs, routine is security. Familiar voices, predictable schedules, and steady care are what make the world feel manageable. Strip that away, and even a short disruption can feel overwhelming, police said.
Police are crediting the neighbor saying, lives were changed forever, and it started with a single phone call.
There are cases that make you angry. There are cases that break your heart. This one does both. Some calls fade with time. Others dont. Cases involving children, especially ones like this, linger long after the uniforms are hung up for the night, carried quietly by the first responders who walked through that door, police said.
But this story is also about hope. A neighbor spoke up. Officers refused to accept half-answers and detectives dismantled the mother's lies and followed the evidence until the truth came to light. And most importantly, two children are now safe.
Police are reminding people to speak up if they see something and that one call can make a difference.
The man who pleaded guilty to murdering beloved Detroit neurosurgeon Dr. Devon Hoover was sentenced to 35-60 years in prison on Friday.
Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Man gets 35-60 years in prison for murder of Detroit neurosurgeon Devon Hoover
Desmond Burks was accused of shooting Hoover and hiding his body in a crawl space inside Hoover's Boston Edison home in April 2023. Last month, Burks pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, larceny - $20,000 or more, using a computer to commit a crime and weapons charges.
You can hear the victim impact statements from Hoover's family members in the video below
Family of Devon Hoover give victim impact statements during sentencing for Desmond Burks
Burks addressed the court ahead of the sentencing and said that he wasn't a murderer, despite taking the guilty plea. You can hear his speech in the video below
Desmond Burks addresses court before sentencing in murder of Detroit neurosurgeon
In exchange for the plea, the first-degree murder charge against Burks was dropped. Burks was also charged with second-degree murder in the killing of 67-year-old Reda Saleh after a road rage incident. Saleh's stepdaughter spoke at the sentencing. You can hear her victim impact statement in the video below.
Family of Reda Saleh give victim impact statement at Desmond Burks sentencing See the full guilty plea in the video below: Desmond Burks pleads guilty in murder of Dr. Devon Hoover
Burks decision to plead guilty came two days into jury selection for his trial. It was a rare move but not unheard of, according to Todd Flood, a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor.
The move still caught those closest to Hoover off guard.
Hoover's family released the following statement about the plea deal:
As a family, we are relieved to know that Desmond Burks pleaded guilty. We are glad that a long and difficult trial will not be necessary.
We spoke with Hoover's friend Carol Gove about the deal.
"I'm still a little bit in shock. Devon's sister just called me and gave me the news. I'm relieved that it's over. It's been very anxiety-producing thinking about going to testify. I'm relieved that his murderer will be locked away for the rest of his life. Nothing can bring Devon back; the people that are still suffering are his would-be patients," she said.
FULL INTERVIEW: Carol Gove talks about plea deal FULL INTERVIEW: Carol Gove talks about plea deal
In August 2024, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced charges in the case. She said the investigation lasted over a year and spanned across five states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Texas and California and three countries United States, England, and France.
Worthy laid out the vast amount of information officials used to investigate this case, which included over 100 hours of video interviews, video surveillance from 24 different locations, over 300 pieces of evidence, more than 134 search warrants requested, a Range Rover, two luxury watches and 181 pages of investigators' reports. In total, police reportedly retrieved several terabytes of data.
Hoover, 53, was found dead on April 23, 2023, inside his Detroit home on W. Boston Boulevard near Woodward Avenue while police were conducting a wellness check. Police were initially called after Hoover didn't show up in Indiana to visit his mother. During that check, police noticed the driveway gate near the back of the home was wide open, with what appeared to be blood on back door of the home.
Inside the home, police found Hoover's body in a third-floor attic crawl space, wrapped in a blood-soaked carpet.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office concluded that Hoover was shot twice in the back of his head.
Watch below: Trial begins for Desmond Burks, man charged in Detroit neurosurgeon's murder Trial begins for Desmond Burks, man charged in Detroit neurosurgeon's murder
Flood says Burks likely took the deal to ensure hed one day walk free because the circumstantial evidence is too stacked to ignore.
What were the circumstances? He was there the night of, right? He stole the car, the text messages, the electronically stored information for the phone, all of those things, taking the money, Flood said.
Burks attorney Gabi Silver says it's unclear to her why her client came to this conclusion.
It was a bit of a surprise to all of us, but at the end of the day, it was his decision, Silver said.
Ive been in murder trials, too many to count and the victims family, its trauma. Its peeling back wounds. Its taking off the Band-Aid," Flood said. So to spare them this ugliness, this trial of listening and going through all of this, thats some mercy.
A Detroit police officer and a sergeant accused of violating department policy by calling Customs and Border Protection during two separate traffic stops have been suspended without pay.
The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners made the vote Thursday night.
On Dec. 16, 2025, one officer contacted border patrol during a traffic stop on the city's west side.
Then on Feb. 9, a sergeant called federal agents for translation services instead of using the department's 24-hour translation line.
Both civilians were detained by federal agents.
Chief Todd Bettison says the Detroit Police Department does not conduct immigration enforcement.
He says his goal is to fire both employees.
Previous report: Detroit police chief plans to fire officers who called immigration agents during traffic stops Detroit police chief plans to fire officers who called immigration agents during traffic stops
"Contacting border patrol, ICE or other federal agencies for translation services is strictly prohibited," Bettison said.
Their firing would have to go to a command hearing, with a process that could take up to 21 days.
Earlier Thursday, a lawsuit filed by the sergeant in federal court alleges she did not violate policy.
Sgt. Denise Wallet has been with the city for 27 years. She says she contacted border patrol because her lieutenant told her to.
UPDATE: The alert has been cancelled as Chris Allan Lindley has been found safe.
Michigan State Police are asking for help with finding a missing man who is diabetic and could have onset Alzheimers or dementia.
MSP issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for Chris Allan Lindley, who was last seen Wednesday in Sumpter Township. He was last seen around 3 p.m. on Martinsville Road when he left his home in his 2003 Chevrolet Silverado thats blue with a gray lower area.
Lindley is described as about 5-foot-8 and 230 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a black coat with gray on it, a dark gray or black sweater and jeans. He also has a surgical scar on his stomach.
Troopers say he left his medication and phone behind.
They say he has been using his debit card around the thumb area of the state for gas and food purchases.
His vehicle was spotted on a Flock camera in Fort Gratiot Township, north of Port Huron in St. Clair County.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 911 or the Sumpter Township Police Department at 734-461-4833 or 734-461-6898.
A man was hospitalized in Monroe on Monday night after he was shot inside his vehicle, with his kids in the back seat at the time of the shooting, according to the Monroe Public Safety Department.
Officers responded to the shooting in the 600 block of Michigan Avenue just after 8 p.m. on Feb. 9, for a reports of a man who had been shot inside his vehicle.
Investigators say that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between the victim and the driver of a silver SUV in the same area. The victim told police that when he tried to confront the driver in the silver SUV, two men approached his vehicles and one of the men shot him.
The suspects all fled the scene in the silver SUV.
The man was transported to a local hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery. His two kids, ages 14 and 11, were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting, but were not injured.
All three suspects were taken into custody after officers in Adrian spotted the vehicle. Three handguns were found in the SUV when the men were arrested.
We're told that there is no threat to the public at this time. Anyone with more information about this shooting is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Aaron Oetjens at (734) 243-7516 or Detective Adam Zimmerman at (734) 243-7509.
On Monday night, President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is being fully paid for by the Canadian government.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said in part that he would "not allow" the bridge to open "until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve."
Watch below: Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge
Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge
The bridge is the result of a decades-long process between the United States, the State of Michigan and the Government of Canada. On June 15, 2012, the Government of Canada and the State of Michigan signed the "Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement," which was pivotal in the process of building the bridge.
You can read the entire agreement in the document below.
That 2012 agreement had several stipulations. They were:
The International Authority will be comprised of equal representation by Canada and Michigan. All iron and steel for any bridge component in Canada and for any component of the project in the United States, will be sourced in either Canada or the United States The Government of Canada will pay all costs of the required land acquisition in Canada and Michigan and for the construction of an interchange to provide connections to I-75 Tolls for both Canada-bound and US-bound traffic will be collected on the Canadian side of the crossing and used to reimburse the Canadian government for the funds it advances related to the project The public-private partnership agreement must contain provisions for community benefit plan and for the involvement of the host communities in Canada and Michigan The crossing will be publicly-owned, jointly by Canada and Michigan The International Authority will be comprised of equal representation by Canada and Michigan.
Watch below: As the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion, we visited the site to see the progress
As the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion, we visited the site to see the progress
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the bridge is being built through a 36-year "design-build-finance-operate-maintain availability payment concession." That means that the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority pays the private sector concessionaire, Bridging North America, based on performance.
The total project cost of $5.7 billion CAD (4.415 billion USD) is being paid for by the Government of Canada. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority also said that separate from the contract with Bridging North America, Canada has invested $559 million CAD ($433 million USD) between 2005 and 2018 to get the project to the point where construction could begin.
Of that, $2.9 billion will be allocated for the design-build phase and $1.5 billion allocated for the operations-maintenance-rehabilitation phase, according to the USDOT. The Government of Canada funding is set to be recouped by future toll revenues over 36 years.
In the Truth Social post, Trump also wrote, "With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset."
Construction Progress Payments from WDBA - $2.12 billion Substantial Completion Payment from WDBA - $374.5 million Excluded Design-Build Costs - $26.7 million Capital Payments from WDBA - $29 million Short-term Bank Debt (repaid by construction progress payments, capital payments, and equity) - $454.8 million Medium-term Bonds - $121.7 million Long-term Bonds - $224.1 million Equity - $72.1 million Interest - $0.1 million
This is a similar plan to how the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron was built in the 1930s. According to the State of Michigan, the state legislature approved a law creating a state bridge commission in 1935. That plan was later approved by U.S. Congress and the commission was given permission to sell bonds that would be repaid by the revenue.
Then, the U.S. and Canadian governments agreed to operate the bridge toll free when the bonds were paid off in February 1962.
A woman has died after a house caught fire Monday in Dearborn, officials say.
The fire happened at a home near Lawrence Avenue and Drexel Street.
The fire department at first said that one person was injured. Fire Chief Joseph Murray later told us a woman died after firefighters made efforts to save her.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Fire officials are investigating.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump turned up the heat on his trade war with Canada, saying he may not permit the Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening.
Watch our report from the 6 a.m. show, including a live interview with Detroit Regional Chamber Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge
The post says, in part, "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve."
Related: Here's how Canada is paying for the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
The $4.8 billion bridge is finishing up construction, with the organization that runs it saying all major construction on the project is done and that they have started the process of testing and commissioning the systems that will be in operation at the facility. They have not said when the bridge is scheduled to open. It was expected to be completed last year, but it is now forecasted for sometime in 2026.
This is the busiest trade crossing in North America. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is all about jobs. It's good for Michigan workers and it's good for Michigan's auto industry," Stacey LaRouche, the press secretary for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said in a statement on Tuesday morning. "As a reminder, Canada financed the construction of the bridge -- which was built by union construction workers from both sides of the border and it will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada. This project has been a tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation. It's going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon cutting.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Moroun family launches ad asking President Trump to stop new Gordie Howe Bridge Moroun family launches ad asking President Trump to stop new Gordie Howe Bridge
We have reached out to the Gordie Howe International Bridge team for comment and will update this story with what they say.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also not responded to the President's posting.
You can read the full text of Trump's Truth Social post below:
As everyone knows, the Country of Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades. Now, things are turning around for the U.S.A., and FAST! But imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canada and the United States side and, of course, built it with virtually no U.S. content. President Barack Hussein Obama stupidly gave them a waiver so they could get around the BUY AMERICAN Act, and not use any American products, including our Steel. Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just take advantage of America! What does the United States of America get Absolutely NOTHING! Ontario won't even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves, they are absolutely prohibited from doing so and now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China which will eat Canada alive. Well just get the leftovers! I don't think so. The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup. The Tariffs Canada charges us for our Dairy products have, for many years, been unacceptable, putting our Farmers at great financial risk. I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
Leaders in Michigan have responded to Trump's statement.
The Detroit Regional Chamber released the following statement:
The U.S.-Canada trade relationship and economies have been successfully intertwined for well over a century, benefiting both sides of our shared border. As Americans, we need to lean into and build off this relationship to maintain our global competitiveness and create jobs and economic growth.The international bridge is the most consequential infrastructure project in the state and region of this generation. It will support economic growth and improve border security, and any effort to block this project would have tremendous consequences for the region, state, and country.We also cannot lose sight of the facts of how this project came about and its importance to our economy as part of one of the strongest cross-border trade relationships in history.Thanks to multiple Canadian national governments, U.S. presidential administrations of both parties, and both Democratic and Republican governors of Michigan, the new bridge is close to becoming a reality and will advance international commerce and accelerate business growth, particularly in automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture.This project would not have been possible without the partnership of the Canadian government, which paid to construct the new bridge. Following the lead of the U.S. in the investment of the Blue Water Bridge, the Canadian government invested in the new international bridge crossing to facilitate the centuries-long trade and economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada and especially Michigan and Ontario for the long term, not for the political dynamics of any given moment in time.Canada is more than a neighbor; it is critical to our economic future. There is no greater example of that than the international bridge.-Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Donald Trump will stop at nothing to undermine Michigans economy. His reckless tariffs have already driven up costs for Michigan families and businesses. Now hes threatening to block one of the Midwests most important infrastructure projects, putting thousands of Michigan jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth at risk.Trumps trade war hurts Michigan, plain and simple. Canada is our longtime partner. Our manufacturing economy depends on the DetroitWindsor corridor, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge is essential to our future.We must move this project forward. I will always stand up for Michigan. Trump needs to drop this threat, let the bridge open, and stop playing games with our jobs and our economy.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel released a statement:
The Gordie Howe Bridge is a monumental bipartisan win for Michigans auto industry, economy, and our workersincluding the thousands of union construction workers who have built the bridge. Even Donald Trump previously called it a vital economic link between the U.S. and Canada.Trump started a reckless trade war, punched our states largest trading partner in the teeth, and is now trying to punish Michiganders even further for the chaos he created. Threatening to arbitrarily block the bridge from opening would amount to economic sabotage against Michigan, leading to higher prices, fewer jobs, and greater uncertainty for our states auto industry.Michigan Republicans at every level need to pick a side: Trumps chaos, or standing up for Michigan workers who shouldnt have to suffer because of this disastrous trade war.
A person was rescued after being trapped in a parking structure that partially collapsed in Dearborn Friday night, officials say.
The collapse happened around 8:45 p.m. near W. Outer Drive and Garrison Place.
Watch our report from the scene after the rescue: Man rescued after being trapped in parking garage that partially collapsed in Dearborn
A man inside a vehicle became trapped underneath concrete when the parking garage partially collapsed, Deaborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray told reporters at the scene.
First responders at the scene said the man was able to communicate with them during the rescue effort and he told them he did not have any serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation.
Murray says crews worked to get the structure sturdy enough to free the victim. The fire and police departments worked with building officials.
The fire chief said there was "a significant amount of concrete, big, thousands and thousands of pounds of concrete, which have collapsed onto his vehicle."
"These type of events can be very complex, a lot of moving parts, especially when you have these collapses and you have a lot of large concrete I-beams that you're afraid that if they shift around that they could cause potentially more damage or hurt firefighters or hurt the victims. So a lot of times, it takes a lot of time, a lot of effort to do it," Murray said.
Teams specialized in collapse rescues also responded to the scene and the victim was rescued much sooner than expected.
"Fortunately, when we had our experts our firefighters are well trained in this, we practice on this all the time with the help of our friends at Western Wayne Mutual Aid, we were actually able to get it shored up a lot quicker than we expected and able to make sure that none of the other pieces would be off-center or move on the victim at that time," Murray said.
A frigid night in Michigan created challenges during the rescue.
"So they were able to feel secure enough with the structure that they were able to access the patient a lot quicker than we initially thought, which is a great thing because it's very cold out today. We were worried about that," the chief said.
Officials asked people to avoid the area as they work to investigate and clear the scene.
The cause of the collapse is unknown at this time.
If you've got little ones at home, you know how expensive diapers can be.
Nearly half of families with young kids can't afford enough diapers. That's where MiSide Community Impact Network is stepping in.
They're running their Cupid's Care Diaper Drive all month long for families enrolled in the EarlyYears program. The goal is to collect 10,000 diapers for local families.
We understand that diapers are a necessity for families, but SNAP and WIC do not provide the funds for families to use those resources to purchase diapers, said Rhonda Mallory-Burns, the director of early head start and head start. With the price of diapers going up, this helps us to support the families.
Diapers in all sizes can be dropped off at 15 locations across metro Detroit through Feb. 28. You can also donate online.
Drop-off locations are listed below:
McKenny Community Center at 19750 Burt Road In Detroit MiSide EarlyYears at 19176 Northrop Street in Detroit MiSide Health at 5716 Michigan Avenue in Detroit MiSide Health at 1700 Waterman Street in Detroit MSUFCU Sashabaw Branch at 6051 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston MSUFCU Auburn Hills Branch at 3220 University Drive in Auburn Hills MSUFCU Berkley Branch at 1833 Coolidge Highway in Berkley MSUFCU Congress St. Branch at 243 W. Congress Street in Detroit MSUFCU Novi Branch at 43420 Grand River Avenue in Novi MSUFCU Brighton Branch at 8510 W Grand River Avenue in Brighton MSUFCU Ortonville Branch at 4 South Street in Ortonville Omega Coney Island at 22501 W. 8 Mile Road in Detroit Java House at 17336 Lahser Street in Detroit Jessica Blair Beauty Supply at 18724 Grand River Avenue in Detroit Vernor Food Center at 8801 W. Vernor Hwy. in Detroit
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